Biel wants to develop the southern Geyisried area
The city of Biel has set its sights on the Geyisried South site to create new living space. Initial ideas for a redesign are now available.
The southern Geyisried district in Biel is characterized by cooperative housing estates that were mainly built in the post-war period and now need to be partly renewed. The city of Biel therefore wants to tackle the development of the housing estates together with the housing cooperatives. According to the city, the goal is to continue to offer affordable and high-quality living space. In addition, the public spaces are to be further developed.
In order to obtain ideas for housing development, the city, together with seven housing cooperatives, took part in the Europan 16 urban planning ideas competition. This competition for young designers is held every two years and aims to promote architects under the age of 40 from all over Europe.
16 teams from different European countries developed ideas for the future development of Geyisried South as part of the competition. According to the city of Biel, the focus was on the question of how the settlements can be sustainably redeveloped and densified. Two projects were awarded prizes by the expert jury of Europan Switzerland: The "My House" project by a Danish team, which stands out for what the jury considers a successful proposal for moderate densification and the design of lively outdoor spaces, and the Swiss-French project "The city as a living organism," which envisages a circular path through the neighborhood.
The ideas are to be used as a kind of toolbox for the future development of the neighborhood, according to the city of Biel. A concept for the further development of southern Geyisried is now to be drawn up with the local housing cooperatives. (ah)
